GMAT Essays (AWA)

"Americans spend far too much of their time buying and consuming non-essential goods. Studies show that, on average Americans spend over a quarter of their leisure time shopping. As such, it is no secret why America is losing its competitive edge relative to other countries. Instead of spending their time productively, Americans are wasting time through frivolous consumption. In order to counteract this trend, Americans should spend more time focused on personal and communal development--by, for example, pursuing educational advancement or participating in volunteer opportunities."

Discuss how logically persuasive you find the above argument. In presenting your point of view, analyze the sort of reasoning used and supporting evidence. In addition, state what further evidence, if any, would make the argument more sound and convincing or would make you better able to evaluate its conclusion




The answer is__________


The argument that Americans should spend more time focused on personal and communal development rather than wasting time through frivolous consumption and leisure time shopping omits some important key issues that must be addressed in order to substantiate the argument.

Most conspicuously,the argument ignores factors like the increasing impact of the drugs, involvement of US in wars and investment and focus on weapon industry which play pivot role in consumption of resources and time of America.Since last decade the drug market and crimes related to drugs doubled and is on increasing trend at present.This increase has alarmed the government for some stringent steps to control the grave situation if America has to gain back its competitive position relative to other countries.Moreover,the defense department too is worried about the increasing number of wars that US was involved in last decade without any profitable result for US thus wasting vast amount of resources. Many leaders are now focused to curtail this trend.

Moreover,worldwide average of leisure time shopping is 37% but that of US is 26% ,which is acceptable and should be encouraged as by spending time through frivolous consumption people feel refreshed and get back to their work with more energy.The need is to stop wasting time and resources on activities like drugs,wars and weapons.

No doubt,in order to counteract this trend, Americans should spend more time focused on personal and communal development--by, for example, pursuing educational advancement or participating in volunteer opportunities,but such measures are already under action for last two decades but their effects are limited.Thus the need for some stringent government policies to limit drug issue in US society and some important changes in foreign policies and defense department is the need of the hour and will have far more impact.